| Link(s): | UK Information Commissioner warns against 2024 becoming the year people lose trust in AI | ICO John Edwards speaks at TechUK Digital Ethics Summit 2023 | ICO |
Context
UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards, spoke at the TechUK Digital Ethics Summit 2023, and warned that 2024 could be the year people lose trust in AI, and when the ‘excitement’ around AI start to be outstripped by concerns. He called on tech developers to embed privacy into their products from the very start.
Key points to note and next actions
- Edwards referred to research which shows people are growing ever more nervous of AI, and set out the steps the ICO has taken to support businesses using the smart technology and make it clear that there are no excuses for “bad actors” who do not comply with data protection laws.
- Edwards acknowledged the important role AI has for business, from providing new innovations improving customer service to quicker resolutions for common technical issues – but these benefits can’t be at the expense of people’s privacy; where the ICO finds error it will take action.
- Edwards stated that if the pubic does not trust AI, it is less likely to be used, which will reduce the benefits of AI and will lead to less growth in society as a whole.